China's Ambassador visits University

China’s Ambassador to the UK, Xiaoming Liu, addresses students and staff

11 February 2013

China’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Xiaoming Liu, commended Bristol’s ‘exceptional scientific research’ during a visit to the University on Thursday [7 February].

Mr Liu, who has been Ambassador to the UK since 2009, visited the University as part of a tour of British universities aimed at encouraging educational exchanges between the UK and China.

During his visit the Ambassador addressed students on the possibilities open for those wishing to study in China and later met with Chinese students and staff, many of whom were busy preparing for the weekend’s New Year celebrations.

In his speech the Ambassador praised Bristol’s scientific heritage. “I was told that Bristol was regarded as the ‘British MIT’,” he said. “For me this was proved true in my talk with Vice-Chancellor Thomas today. I have learned that Bristol produced 11 Nobel Prize winners. Eight of them won this honour for their exceptional scientific research. Given your long history and outstanding achievements perhaps I should say that MIT is ‘American Bristol!’”

The Ambassador also lunched with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior staff in Royal Fort House before touring the University-owned National Composites Centre (NCC), which is developing technologies that will result in more fuel-efficient land, sea and air vehicles.